Liam Byrne MP launches Stratford Half Marathon Appeal

Liam Byrne MP today launches his appeal to raise thousands of pounds for good causes by running the Stratford Half Marathon on Sunday 7th May.

The MP, who says he is still two stone over-weight after three months of training, is making the 13 mile run to raise money for three great causes;

 Age Concern – a national charity that promotes the well being of older people
 Hodge Hill Girls’ School – a local specialist school in maths and computing
 Jammu Kashmir Development Foundation’s Kashmir Quake Appeal

Liam hasn't set a target time saying he just wants to finish ahead of his wife Sarah who is also making the run - and who has two half marathons and the New York marathon to her name.

He claims his secret weapon is a lot of coffee and the Artic Monkeys on the iPod he got for Christmas.

Liam said;

'All of these great causes are doing things for the future of communities we care about - our youngsters, our elderly and those who lost everything in the Kashmir earthquake.

'Running thirteen miles is painful - but frankly if it raises much cash that will make a world of difference to some-one's life, then it will be worth every blister!'

If he finishes in one piece, the Hodge Hill MP says he's thinking of making the appeal an annual event.

If you'd like to make a donation, call 0121 789 7287 and leave your name, address, phone number and how much you'd like to give.

ENDS